First Snow for Katelyn

Although we have had lots of snow since Katelyn was born, this was the first snow she was old enough to play in. We had a blast. Luckily it hadn't gotten to deep yet. She loved putting snowballs on other people but did NOT like getting her coat dirty with snowballs from me ;)

It was awesome to see the amazement through her eyes. Every day is a new adventure. So glad we get to do it together!

Uncharted Territory

About a month ago Katelyn was diagnosed with moderate to severe hearing loss.  She hears higher tones better than lower tones. We know very little at this point beyond that. It does explain her delayed speech and behavioral issues in large group settings.

The hearing loss could be genetic, but with no family history, genetics are probably not the case. It most likely occurred in one of two ways, either nerve damage in her inner ear or damaged/malfunctioning cilia in her inner ear.

They have verified that there is no fluid and all parts of her outer ear function normally. She did pass her newborn hearing screening while we were in the hospital, and does respond to sounds around the house. Many people are also inquiring about ear infections, but she has never had an ear infection.

On March 8th, Katelyn will undergo testing known as an "Auditory Brainstem Response" evaluation. This testing will tell us precisely how severe the hearing loss is and at what levels and pitch. It is not a hearing loss across the board.

After diagnosing the nerve damage vs cilia damage, we can plan a management route. If it is cilia damage, Katelyn will be fitted for hearing aids and we will learn some sign language in order to communicate when the aides cannot be used (ie: the pool, bath, etc). If the damage is to the nerves, then our options are learning sign language as a main form of communication and possibly a cochlear implant.

At this point, there is not a medical cure for Katelyn's hearing loss. We can only manage it. There is not a chance of regaining her hearing. That is why I refer to it as management, rather than cure. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers. I will keep the blog updated as I find out more information.


For more info on hearing loss: http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/hearingloss/index.html

For more info on the ABR test: http://www.chp.edu/CHP/Auditory+Brainstem+Response

Blue's Clues Birthday for Kate!

Katelyn is in love with Blue's Clues. Her second birthday party was held in January and it had a Blue's Clues theme to it. HotCakes made the cake and I scoured the internet for printables and Blues clues memorabilia.

It was another day to spoil Katelyn with gifts and she knew it. The cutest part was when she opened a gift and then passed it to a different person in the room. By the end of present time, everyone was holding one of her gifts.

Lots of friends and family surrounded her with gifts and play time. She enjoyed activities including Pin the Tail on Blue and a personalized coloring sheet. Balloons were a huge hit too. Watching the celebration through her eyes made it worth the effort and expense. Hopefully next year she can blow out the candles all by herself!

It's been two years already?!?

Kate and I on Valentine's Day - Feb 2010

Katelyn turned 2 on January 5th. It's amazing that we have been together for two years now. My parents always said "It seems like just yesterday that we brought you home from the hospital" and now I understand what they were saying.

Our last two years have been a roller coaster ride, but her laughs and silliness have always been the brightest part of my days. I love this little girl more than words can say. The future looks bright for both of us....here's to many more years together!

Eric, Kate & I at her 2nd Bday Party - Jan 2012

Overdue, but necessary Christmas post...

Christmas with an almost 2 year old was awesome. Kate loved seeing Santa Claus everywhere. She would point to lights in the mall and got excited at any Christmas Tree we passed. I realize she doesn't get the true meaning of Christmas, but she certainly felt the magic of the Christmas spirit.

After she woke up on Christmas morning we opened presents at my place. The first thing she opened was her stocking. Upon discovering a Gingerbread Man cookie, she opened it and they became inseperable through the present opening process. Kate refused to let Eric or I hold it for her. She opened each present one handed. I assisted her with opening the presents and then she would pass everything to Eric to open. Clearly, she did not think I was the handy one that morning.

The day continued with two more present exchanges. One at Eric's with his girls and then one at my parent's. Kate has never been so spoiled. She even got her own house from Grandma & Grandpa!

She has been given some of the toys she got at Christmas, but I also thought ahead and hid some. Getting the new toys out throughout the year will ensure she actually enjoys each one. None of them will get lost in the shuffle. Overall, Kate had an amazing (and exhausting) Christmas. Can't wait for next year!!